Lee Sobot

UP AND coming Yorkshire trainer Phil Kirby will hold an open morning to welcome guests to tour his new yard near Catterick on Sunday, August 7.

Kirby relocated from Middleham to East Appleton earlier this year and August’s open morning will provide an opportunity for the trainer to showcase his horses and facilities.

Admission is free, with refreshments on site and all visitors given a colour brochure.

The event will feature a parade of horses and also horses galloping plus a chance to see the yard’s mares, foals and youngstock. Info will also be given about potential partnerships and shares.

The morning will begin at 10.30am and for more info call 01748 517337 or simply turn up on the day.

l Francesca Cumani will co-host ITV’s coverage of the 2017 Flat season alongside main presenter Ed Chamberlin, the channel has announced.

Cumani, daughter of leading Newmarket trainer Luca, already has broadcast experience in racing, having worked for CNN and for Seven Network in Australia.

She said: “I’m hugely excited to be part of ITV’s new racing team and looking forward to working with Ed Chamberlin covering the Flat season from next year. To be involved in bringing viewers coverage of some of the best and most prestigious events in the sport’s calendar is a privilege and I can’t wait to get started.”

Cumani will cover “up to 50 days” of Flat racing when the station’s four-year contract to show domestic action on terrestrial television begins next year on ITV and ITV4.

ITV director of sport Niall Sloane said: “Francesca has a superb pedigree as a racing presenter with a genuine love of the sport.

“Alongside Ed Chamberlin, we believe she will engage our audience in some wonderful events throughout the Flat season and we look forward to working with her.”